Harry Redknapp, one of the busiest managers in the business, has been linked with a £9million move to bring Peter Crouch back to Portsmouth.

The England international looks out of favour at Liverpool and will be fully aware that reduced first-team opportunities may cost him the chance of playing for his country in Euro 2008.

Crouch has already enjoyed a stint at Fratton Park before heading to Aston Villa and then Southampton where he worked with Redknapp.

And Pompey's drive towards a place in next season's UEFA Cup may just persuade him to leave Merseyside.

Redknapp has turned his attentions to Crouch because Bolton have offered Nicolas Anelka a pay rise to stay at the Reebok Stadium.

But Everton are expected to test the Trotters' resolve to keep their best players by making a move for Kevin Nolan after missing out on Manuel Fernandes although Middlesbrough are also interested in him.

Birmingham are closing in on midfielder Peter Luccin, who is rated at £2m by Atletico Madrid.

The 28-year-old French midfielder has held talks with Blues boss Steve Bruce but if the deal collapses at the last moment Birmingham will move for Charlton's Amdy Faye.

West Brom are keen to sell John Hartson and Ronnie Wallwork but defender Paul Robinson has pledged his future to Albion, turning his back on a move to Wigan.

And Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has insisted striker Shaun Maloney is not heading back to Celtic despite being unable to settle in Birmingham.

"He's definitely a bit homesick and it's something the Scottish newspapers seem to pick up on almost on a daily basis and they're inclined to put a major slant on it," said O'Neill. "I've spoken to Shaun and no-one is going anywhere. I want players in rather than going out."

Villa are set to seal a deal for Fulham central defender Zat Knight after refusing to pay £10m for West Brom's Curtis Davies while West Ham are set to make a £5m bid for Reading's England full back Nicky Shorey.

Rumour of the day: Real Sociedad boss Chris Coleman is lining up a bid for Liverpool winger Harry Kewell.

No chance: Inter Milan forward Adriano has rejected a loan move to Manchester City, who will have to fork out £10m to sign him permanently.